THE number of suspected swine flu cases in the region has increased with health chiefs predicting a second wave of the illness throughout autumn. New figures released by the East of England NHS show the number of unique reference numbers (URNs), which pe
THE number of suspected swine flu cases in the region has increased with health chiefs predicting a second wave of the illness throughout autumn.
New figures released by the East of England NHS show the number of unique reference numbers (URNs), which people are given when they contact the pandemic flu service, has increased. The number of anti-viral drugs handed out has also increased.
In the past week, in the region 5,550 URNs were given out and 3,496 anti-virals. This is compared to 5,090 reference numbers and 3,305 anti-virals the previous week.
In Cambridgeshire the number of URNs was 785 with 521 anti-virals collected. Elsewhere in the East, Bedfordshire saw 609 URNs and 429 anti-virals collected and Essex saw 1454 URNs and 1009 anti-virals collected.
There are 20 people in hospitals in connection with swine flu across the east of England with three in critical care.
There have been four deaths of East of England residents relating to swine flu.
A statement of the East of England NHS website states: "The number of URNs issued has increased slightly again this week for the fourth week. This ongoing increase in swine flu activity is consistent with the early stages of a second wave. However, we still expect to see a rise in the number of cases as we move further into the autumn and we are continuing to monitor the situation very closely."
People are advised to prepare for swine flu by learning to recognise the symptoms, establishing 'flu friends' those who can help if you fall ill, keeping paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house and having a thermometer available.
Symptoms of swine flu are if you have a temperature of 38�C or above and at least two of the following symptoms: widespread muscle and joint aches, a cough, headache, blocked or runny nose, sore throat, vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
INFO: If you think you have swine flu, contact the National Pandemic Flu Service for assessment, on 0800 1513100, or www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
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